What a comeback. I think it's unfair how many people are claiming the Hurricanes beat themselves, no team gives up in a playoff match after that first half. The Lions came back fighting and the canes could not withstand the onslaught. As for the "dodgy calls" I see alot of people in the media claiming that Rasta shouldn't have said "No TMO" but failed to hear the TMO congratulating him on an outstanding call after the try was awarded (meaning the TMO checked and was happy with the grounding anyway). While BB's yellow was way harsh I don't think it abnormal, consider that a failed intercept can be yellowed if close enough to the line with the attacking team carrying momentum (deliberate knock or not). why should BB's infringement be any different in terms of game effect, those journalists saying "but on the replay it shows he was trying to escape the ruck he's so innocent" expect the ref to just be like "oh okay, he didn't mean to disrupt the attacking teams momentum illegally, that's fine, whoopsie" but he couldn't because when those factors come into play (attacking teams momentum etc) It's often blown on outcome not intention . With the regard to call of no knock on, the canes player ripped the ball back and a Lions player regathered IMO, either way, claiming that there was extra camera angles that the TMO refused to show is ridiculous, I know it was a playoff but really? If the TMO cheated by not showing an available angle it WOULD have been known already. I just find it highly annoying that people are going nuts blaming the ref or canes lack of fight because it detracts from an awesome victory and IMO it shows the arrogance of NZ fans because surely a team that reached the playoffs without playing NZ opposition will be a walkover and if not it was the ref, or the altitude, or the traveling etc etc. Accept the hand that was dealt and let the Lions have their moment of sun. This conference system and lack of neutral refs has really soured this whole season. Rant aside, I think both teams played some awesome rugby, the Lions should take confidence going into the final knowing they stared defeat in the face and didn't buckle under the pressure. The Saders are definitely favourites for the final but I think the Lions have more to play for, not to mention home advantage so hopefully that will be enough to take them all the way. I hope that Elton will show up again and that the team will stutter a lot less, and hopefully they also improve their defence because I don't fancy loosing years of my life from the stress of watching them chasing the whole final. Anyways, I'm one happy saffer and have no doubt the sharks would've buckled hard after that first half blitz so glad our best team is through.
